Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic, woody herb with narrow, needle-like leaves and a powerful, resinous fragrance. It is widely used in Mediterranean cooking, especially to add depth to meat, potatoes, vegetables and slow-cooked dishes.
Latin name: Salvia rosmarinus
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant family: Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Height: approx. 50–150 cm
Flowering period: usually March–June
Lifespan: perennial
Description
Rosemary is an evergreen, strongly branching shrub that naturally grows in sunny, dry regions around the Mediterranean. The leaves are narrow and leathery, dark green on top and lighter in colour underneath. In spring and early summer, it often produces small blue to lilac flowers, which are also edible. With its sturdy stems and intense aroma, rosemary has a clear culinary identity: herbal, pine-like and slightly bitter, with a warm, almost camphor-like note.
In the kitchen
Rosemary is particularly well suited to dishes that benefit from warmth and time: oven dishes, stews, sauces and roasts. The herb combines classically with lamb, chicken, game, tomato, garlic, lemon, olive oil and pulses. It is also a familiar seasoning for potatoes and roasted root vegetables. For the best result, use the needles: strip them from the stem and chop them finely for an even distribution. For a more subtle effect, you can leave a whole sprig to cook or roast along with the dish and remove it afterwards. Dried rosemary is more concentrated and often more resinous; give it time to cook so the flavour becomes rounder.
In the herb garden
Rosemary likes a sunny position and well-drained soil; overly wet ground is more of a problem than drought. It does very well in pots, as long as excess water can drain away and the plant is not left constantly waterlogged. It can be harvested almost all year round: cut young shoots or sprigs and always leave enough green growth so the shrub remains vigorous. Prune lightly after flowering or in spring to keep the plant compact, but do not cut too deeply into old wood. In cold winters, rosemary may appreciate some protection, especially in pots; place it in a sheltered spot and avoid prolonged wet roots.
